A Visit to The Bahamas - Part 7 (Final)

19 February, 2026 

Davis Beach - Walter's

     As usual, I was out early on the wall overlooking the mangroves and was delighted to see a Tri-coloured Heron (Egretta tricolor) moving from perch to perch, seemingly at random.

     There were shorebirds other than the usual Willets (Tringa semipalmata) and here is a Dowitcher (genus Limnodromus) alongside a Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola).

     The probabilities are in favour of Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus), but it's impossible to tell from this picture. 

     Here is a flock in flight.

     Mangroves are incredibly important as a nursery for many creatures, including sharks and turtles, and they furnish rich habitat for fish.

     This beautiful flower is in the subfamily Malvoideae.

  

     Ruellias (genus Ruellia) are sometimes referred to as Wild Petunias, but they are not in fact related to petunias.

     I am quite convinced that some of the most handsome roosters in the world live in The Bahamas.

     Brown anoles (genus Anolis) were common and at times combative, as can be seen here.

     Beggarticks (genus Bidens) were always appreciated.

     Around mid morning, we went over to Davis Beach for a while, a prime location for snorkelers and beachcombers.

     Rachicallis is a genus of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae, found throughout The Bahamas island chain.

     It plays a significant role in stabilizing the sand.

     As mentioned in earlier posts I am quite fascinated by hermit crabs and their lifestyle. Here is a Caribbean Land Hermit Crab (Coenobita clypeatus).

     There was no shortage of Molluscs (Phylum Molusca).

     Four-toothed Nerite (Nerita versicolor) is singularly beautiful.

     

     While I was spending my time absorbed in the life forms that I don't get a chance to observe in Ontario, others were enjoying the water.

     Caroline was adjusting her equipment.

     Having gotten everything just right, she was off to explore.

     She and Will both saw a sea turtle and a ray.

     Better go and tell Miriam all about it.

     In the meantime I had found a  large aggregation of conch shells. Whether they occur naturally or have been moved there by humans, I am not sure.

     We returned to the house for lunch, this being a clean-out-the-fridge day - our last day in Eleuthera.

     It was fitting that on our final attempt the Clapper Rail (Rallus crepitans) paraded in full view and Miriam was able to get a picture.

     To the non-birder it's probably not much to look at, but it is only found in salt water or brackish habitat, is extremely secretive and hard to see, and was very special for us.

     We decided to go to Walter's for dinner.

     Why this place exudes a unique charm I am not quite sure - but it does!

     Here is the extensive and elegantly designed menu.

     This was my order of chicken wings and fries.

     The moon was a slim crescent in the sky.

     The going down of the sun was spectacular.

     Will and Holly.....

     Andrew and Caroline.....

     We went back to witness the Space X second Falcon 9 booster landing off the coast of The Bahamas on a drone ship. It was a rivetting experience to see the rocket head for space, and to hear the loud sonic boom at the culmination of the event.

      Our last night on Eleuthera literally went off with a bang!